Satisfaction Secret

In a word: Fiber. It's an essential element in a healthy diet, and for weight loss – yet most Americans only get half the daily recommendation. Here's how to bring more fiber-rich fruits and vegetables into your meal plan.
Article By: Melissa Sperl
Pile on the Power FoodsTopic Of the Week

Eat more fiber, and studies show, you tend to take in fewer calories (and even have a lower BMI). You'll have heard in your meeting how foods rich in fiber, especially fruits and vegetables, can help you feel more satisfied so you may eat less. There's a reason we made all fruits and most vegetables Power Foods and 0 PointsPlus® values: They're a fabulous tool for weight loss.

But if you're like many people, you may find it hard to fit five servings of fruits and vegetables into your menu each day. It might feel like a big adjustment at first, but it's worth it. In addition to all fresh fruits and most vegetables having zero PointsPlus values, produce offers the following perks:

  • They make you feel fuller
  • They're rich sources of disease-fighting antioxidants
  • They reduce the risk of heart disease
  • They provide folic acid, vitamins and minerals
  • They increase energy, fight infection, improve regularity, keep skin healthy, promote normal blood clotting and build bones

Fitting them in
There are many ways to include more fruits and vegetables into your meals. Think variety and flavor. When you go grocery shopping, pick up a fruit you've never tried before or spice up your green beans with a fiery peanut sauce instead of the usual butter spray. Here are some tricks to try:

  • Add vegetables to frozen entrees, pasta dishes, soups or wraps
  • Use frozen vegetables to save time. Add them to recipes or use them on their own
  • Snack on crudités with salsa, hummus, low-fat dip or dressing
  • Buy fresh seasonal, local or organic veggies, which are often more flavorful
  • Mix fruits into salads for a surprising new taste

Learn about more easy ways to get more fiber into your diet. Then add a few of the following meal ideas and recipes to your menu.

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